There is this seasonal struggle in youth ministry surrounding curriculum.
Which one should we use? Is there one that’s perfect? How can we get the best curriculum for the least amount of money? What one will work best for our teens? The more I struggle through this epic dilemma I’ve uncovered a few lies (and an awesome truth) about youth ministry curriculum.
Lie: It’s Less Work
Nope. It’s a different kind of work. Curriculum writers have done a few things for you. Details like the time-consuming research for the topic, pulling together illustrations and activities, and in some cases, producing video or graphic elements – it’s all in one handy package.
However comprehensive that box may be, you have an extraordinary task that remains. You must customize the content to fit your ministry context.
Ask yourself:
- Does the illustration make sense where you are?
- Is there a cultural or ethnic disconnect you need to adjust?
- Are there assumptions made by the writer or publisher about what setting, equipment, theological point of view, etc., you need to present?
- Is it too long or too short for the time you have?
Adjust!
Lie: It’s too Shallow
Neighbor to “It’s Less Work” is the common complaint that any given curriculum lacks depth. Any curriculum, even those with scripted lessons, are only outlines written to a general context. Never-the-less, you want your students to grow (and so do the people producing the curriculum).
IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL THAT YOU RUN THROUGH THE LESSONS AHEAD OF TIME AND ADJUST THEM FOR WHERE IN THEIR DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY YOUR STUDENTS ACTUALLY STAND RIGHT NOW. IS THE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE NOT ENOUGH? ADD TO IT. IS THE CONCLUSION NOT FAR ENOUGH IN TERMS OF YOUR MINISTRY’S VISION OR MISSION? DIG DEEPER.
Lie: I Should Write My Own
Should you? You definitely could! If you’re saying “should,” it’s likely that you are a staff member and have *cough*unlimited*cough* time to spend on developing your lessons and small group materials. You may have a theological education, too. It’s a different world for you than for a volunteer with a 9-5 job and just loves kids.
Thing is, you’re going to spend time on teaching materials whether you start from scratch or you purchase a curriculum. What to weigh here is whether you have the bandwidth – time, knowledge, communication ability, technical resources, and budget – to produce the quality you want to present. The question becomes, is that the best use of your time? Big and small youth ministries use and develop curriculum; consider the options and do what is best for you.
Truth: Your Mileage May Vary
There are some really great materials out there from big and small publishers in print and digital formats. You may find one that is perfect in every way and never needs a tweak. You may find one that needs more tweaking than you can tolerate.
The bottom line? The success of any curriculum is the customization and presentation. Make the changes needed for your context, train and allow your teachers and leaders to adapt on the run to meet your students’ needs, and you will get better results.
